Outspoken actress and activist Robyn Malcolm will be guest speaker at the Wintec School of Media Arts Press Club in Hamilton next Friday.
Malcolm, 47, best known for her role as the swaggering Cheryl West in the popular TV show Outrageous Fortune, will share her experiences - good, bad and downright ugly - with the media.
"I expect she'll deliver a direct and provocative speech," said press club president and School of Media Arts editor in residence Steve Braunias.
"Most actors are as dumb as a bag of hammers, but Robyn's intelligent and principled. She remains true to her values.
"These qualities were evident when she briefly became the most hated woman in New Zealand during the industrial dispute between Actors Equity and producers of Sir Peter Jackson's film version of The Hobbit.
"She's also acted as spokesperson for the Green Party, attracting a hostile response from various media commentators.
"In some ways she's had almost a schizophrenic relationship with the press, because as an actress she's treated as a kind of celebrity, and has sold numerous stories to women's magazines.
"It should be fascinating to hear this wonderfully talented and thoughtful woman speak about her life in the public eye."
An invite-only audience of about 100 is expected to attend the free lunch.
"We look forward to press club events as they provide valuable insights for our students," says School of Media Arts' head Margi Moore.
"It is an amazing opportunity for students to ask questions and network with media personalities."
It will be held on Friday, November 16, at the riverside Ferrybank Convention Centre.
The Wintec Press Club, administered by the School of Media Arts, stages three public events each year. Other speakers this year were New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and criminal defence lawyer Greg King, who died last weekend.
Braunias aims to invite guest speakers who will appeal to Wintec's journalism students - and other guests, including those prominent in politics, sport and entertainment.
"I'm thrilled Robyn Malcolm has agreed to speak at the third and final Press Club lunch for 2012," says Braunias.
"She's a forthright sort of rooster, and always entertaining.
"Her mere presence will likely encourage boisterous behaviour."
